England coach Andy Robinson has conceded the fact Jonny Wilkinson will miss next week's World Cup re-match with Australia.

The Newcastle fly-half has yet to make a return after suffering a bicep injury and the indications from Kingston Park this week are that Wilkinson will not be rushed back into action until the Falcons medical staff are satisfied he has fully recovered.

The England and Newcastle captain has only played eight games in the last 12 months since the 2003 World Cup and following his shoulder operation.

Falcons manager Rob Andrew insists his star player will be given all the time he needs to get back to his best.

Wilkinson would have had to play in the Falcons' Premiership match at London Irish tomorrow to have had any chance of making the Wallabies game, but Newcastle never even considered the option and Robinson has been kept informed.

"Jonny won't be fit for Australia, but he has been making good progress," said Robinson.

Wilkinson himself has come to terms with being sidelined and he said: "I obviously wish I could be out there facing the pressure for England myself, but the goal now is to do my rehab and get back out there playing as soon as possible.

"And I'm aware that the spotlight will be turned on me again when I make yet another comeback.

"It's difficult having yourself, your fitness and your game put under the microscope every week but there's not much you can do about it, I just have to deal with it."

Meanwhile, Robinson, who is also without prop Phil Vickery, voiced his concern about the number of injuries affecting the squad.

"There has been a number of injuries around the country. It is quite phenomenal," he said.

"I think it means we need to look at the off-season and the number of games played.

"This is also something that the Professional Rugby Players' Association needs to get involved in, as players' welfare is its priority.

"The number of injuries at the moment is frightening."

South Africa arrive at Twickenham with their Grand Slam tour dream in tatters after Saturday's 17-12 loss to Ireland.